C I T Y O F M E R C E D
R EQ U EST F O R PROPOSALS
Open Call for Photographers
RFP Released: 03.01.2024 Deadline
for Submittals: 04.30.2024
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
About the City of Merced ............................................... 2 About Merced’s Arts & Culture Advisory Commission. 2
1. Project Description ................................................... 3
2. Selection Process .................................................... 3
3. Evaluation Criteria .................................................... 3
4. Submission Requirements ....................................... 4
5. Submitting Qualifications & Inquiry Contact ............. 4
6. Proposed Timeline for the Project ............................ 5
7. Stipend Information.................................................. 5
CITY OF MERCED
Request for Proposals – Open Call for Photographers
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ABOUT THE CITY OF MERCED
Merced is a dynamic community of over 90,000 people, with a friendly small-town living in a mid- size city. The University of California Merced campus, opened in 2005, provides educational and economic opportunities, adding to the already-established growth of the region. As a result, Merced’s population is youthful and diverse. Located in the heart of C alifornia’s agricultural Central Valley, Merced is the region’s hub for education, culture, and business. The community offers pleasant neighborhoods, and tree- lined streets. Bicycle paths along creeks link major City parks. Even with recent increases in prices, Merced’s housing remains affordable compared to many other California locations. In addition, Merced’s revitalized downtown is emerging as the entertainment center of the area. Annual events and festivals bring regional and even national recognition.
The City’s amenities include the Applegate Zoo, Art Kamangar Center at the Merced Theatre, the Mainzer Theatre and Restaurant, t he Merced Multicultural Arts Center, Playhouse Merced, the Senior Community Center, th e Historic Tioga Apartments, Merced College, University of California at Merced, a wide array of restaurants, various sports facilities, Lake Yosemite, plentiful public transportations, and more.
ABOUT MERCED’S ARTS & CULTURE ADVISORY
COMMISSION
The Arts and Culture Advisory Commission (ACAC) was established in 2018 to advise the City Council on matters about public art, art projects, cultural programs, and activities, and the promotion of art within the City of Merced (M.M.C. section 2.54.010). The ACAC’s mission is to encourage and promote programs and events that enhance the art and cultural development in Merced while engaging community members and local businesses; promote the role of art and culture in contributing to the beautification and quality of life in Merced; recognize art and cultural events and activities that enhance vitality and innovation in Merced; promote inclusion of artistic endeavors and cultural activities reflective of the Merced community; and preserve the community’s artistic works and cultural identities.
CITY OF MERCED
Request for Proposals – Open Call for Photographers
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1. PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The City of Merced is seeking proposals from local photographers interested in showcasing their original photographs of a sunrise or a sunset captured in Merced at an exhibition on June 15, 2024, at the Applegate Park MOAT. This initiative aims to provide a platform for local photographers, both aspiring and seasoned, to gain exposure and for the community to appreciate their talent. Hosting the photography event at the Applegate Park MOAT aligns with the City’s commitment to cultural enrichment and supporting local talent.
The application submittal deadline is 5 pm (PST) Tuesday, April 30, 2024.
2. SELECTION PROCESS
Interested photographers are invited to submit their proposals featuring an original high quality glossy 4x6 photograph of a sunrise or sunset in Merced. The photograph should be accompanied by a brief photographer bio and photograph description including location, time, and any other pertinent details. Submissions will be reviewed by a subcommittee. The subcommittee will select 1 5 photographs based on a scoring metric outlined in this RFP.
Selected photographers will receive a stipend as reimbursement for enlarging and mounting their respective photograph to a high quality glossy 16x20 photograph for display at an exhibition to be held at the Applegate Park MOAT on June 15, 2024. Remaining qualified submissions will be displayed in the original high quality glossy 4x6 photograph in a collage at the exhibition.
3. EVALUATION CRITERIA
Selection Criteria. The Selection Panel shall use the following criteria to select a photographer and photograph:
• Photograph must be the original work of the photographer. • Copies will not be considered.
• Originality and creativity of the photograph
• Relevance to the theme of a sunrise or a sunset in Merced. • Clarity and composition of the glossy 4 x 6 photograph. • Completeness and accuracy of accompany descriptions.
• Photographer’s ability to create an original glossy high quality 16 x 20 photograph for display at the exhibition.
CITY OF MERCED
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• Agreement to display the photograph at the event.
4. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Interested photographers must submit the following information in the order listed:
1) Cover sheet with name, phone number, and email address. 2) Brief biography. Tell us briefly who you are, explain your inspiration and motivation for your photography and why you are submitting your photograph for consideration. 3) An original glossy 4x6 photograph of a sunrise or sunset. *Please protect the submitted photo in a plastic protective sheet.
4) Brief description including the location, date, time, and other pertinent details.
5. INQUIRY CONTACT & SUBMITTING
QUALIFICATIONS
Direct all inquiries to Senior Management Analyst/Public Information Officer, Jennifer Flachman via email, by 5 pm, Tuesday, April 30, 2024.
APPLICATION PACKAGES ARE DUE BY 5 PM (PST) ON TUESDAY, APRIL 30, 2024.
Address proposals to:
Senior Management Analyst/Public Information Officer, Jennifer Flachman City of Merced / Office of the City Manager
678 W. 18th Street
Merced, CA 95340
Proposals are accepted via mail and hand-delivery if received by the deadline. Proposals will not be accepted via postmarked mail, email, and fax.
CITY OF MERCED
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6. PROPOSED TIMELINE FOR THE OPEN CALL FOR
ART PROJECTS
03/01/2024 – 04/30/2024 – Post RFP on City Website:
• Allow 61 days for qualifications to be received
• Qualifications will be initially screened to ensure minimum requirements are met 04/30/2024 through 05/10/2024 – Selection Panel Rates Proposals:
• Review Independently and Score
• Scores compiled for May ACAC Meeting
05/16/2024 – ACAC Meeting:
• Selection Panel makes recommendation to ACAC
05/17/2024 – Photographer Notification
• 15 photographers be notified by email and will receive instructions to enlarge their high quality 4/6 glossy photograph to a high quality 16x20 photo affixed directly to a white or black mounting board. Self-adhesive mounting boards are preferable.
Selected photos will be displayed on easels.
• Remaining high quality glossy 4x6 photos will be displayed by adhesive in a collage affixed to a display structure.
06/07/2024 – Photographer submissions due
• Photographers must submit their high quality glossy 16 x20 photo affixed directly to a white or black mounting board to be included in the 6/15/2024 exhibition. 06/15/2024 – Exhibition at the MOAT
• The community is invited to a free exhibition event at the MOAT. Invitations and event advertising will be posted on the city’s website and social media platforms.
7. PHOTOGRAPHER STIPEND
Fifteen (15) selected photographers will receive a $150 stipend as reimbursement for photo production and mounting for display.